CarL1 Potomac Nationals

Pelicans blast sends Potomac home

Published on May 5, 2008 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Potomac Nationals News Release


MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - Craig Stammen did everything within his power to win his first game of the season with the P-Nats. However, the Nationals could not hold on to an early lead as Myrtle Beach defeated Potomac 3-2 in ten innings Monday night at BB&T Coastal Field.

Concepcion Rodriguez welcomed Potomac with a walk-off home run off Adam Carr (3-3) in the bottom of the tenth inning. The homer was the first of the season for Rodriguez.

After rain delayed the first pitch one hour and ten minutes, Myrtle Beach starter Tommy Hanson was dominant throughout his six innings silencing Potomac's bats by allowing just one run and one hit while striking out seven. The right-hander had at least one strikeout in every inning.

The Nationals offense generated a lead early without even getting a hit. Their first run came after leadoff hitter Michael Martinez was hit by a pitch and proceeded to steal second base. After a groundout, Chris Marrero's sacrifice fly drove in Martinez for an early 1-0 lead. The Nationals though, did not find the run department until later the game.

Stammen, making his first start for the P-Nats this season after six previous relief appearances was exceptional. The right-hander held Myrtle Beach in check offensively through a season-high five innings by not giving up a run and striking out four. Stammen's longest outing had been 3 1/3 innings which came April 13 against Kinston.

Stammen gave way to Joey Norrito in the top of the sixth inning who was just sent down from Triple-A Columbus. Norrito had a debut to forget, as Ernesto Mejia slapped a two-run bases loaded double down the left field line to give the Pelicans a 2-1 lead.

Potomac showed its resilience late in the game. Trailing 2-1 heading into the top of the ninth inning, the P-Nats starred down the Carolina League saves leader Kevin Gunderson. The P-Nats rallied for a run thanks to a leadoff single from Leonard Davis. With two outs and Davis at third, Edgardo Baez lined a single into right field knocking in the tying run.

The Nationals were sent down in the tenth inning by Nick Fellman (1-2), who earned his first win of the season, setting up the game-winning blast by Rodriguez.

The loss was the first extra inning defeat this season for the P-Nats, who are now 5-1 in extra inning games. The Nationals had won nine consecutive extra inning games dating back to 2007.

The loss marks the first time this season the Nationals have lost three games in a row.

Game two of the three-game series with Myrtle Beach is tomorrow night. Adrian Alaniz (2-0, 2.08), who has won two consecutive decisions is scheduled to start for Potomac opposite Deunte Heath (4-0, 1.80). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at BB&T Coastal Field.

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Carolina League Stories from May 5, 2008


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